Despite strict measures imposed by the district administration and health department, water tanke-rs still fill up with drinking water from contaminated sources in the distr-ict.
During a recent inspec-tion by the health department, it was found that many tankers were not complying with the guid-elines and that they were collecting water from conta-minated, open sources.
“The regulations can be effectively enforced throu-gh proper, systematic chec-ks and by taking strict action against the erring tanker owners.
We inte-nd to conduct regular in-spections and will report to the police and district administration,” said Dr. Junaid Rahman, DMO.
On Tuesday, health department officials, after inspecting tankers in Thriu-punithura, found serious violations of norms stipulated by the district administration.
Of the 20 lorries examined, seven were carrying un-chlorinated water taken from an open well.
The police took the tankers into custody and criminal cases are being registered against the owners. The health officials have also sealed an open well in Chottanikkara, where the tankers collect water.
In April, district collector had banned distribution of drinking water collected from open sources, including the river Periyar.